Practical travel information for Canada
Planning a holiday to Canada? This guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable journey. From visas and entry requirements to driving tips, money matters, health and safety advice, and staying connected on the road - we’ve got you covered.
Key travel tips at a glance
Here’s a quick overview of the essentials to know before travelling to Canada:
Passport: A valid passport and an eTA or visa are required for entry
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD), cards widely accepted
Languages: English and French
Driving: On the right-hand side of the road
Flights: Domestic flights connect major cities and provinces
Mobile coverage: Excellent in cities, limited in rural or mountainous areas
Power: Type A/B plug, 110V; adapter required
Weather: Varies greatly by region and season
Visa and entry requirements
Passports
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. If it’s due to expire, renew it before applying for travel authorisation. Each traveller, including children, must hold their own passport.
For more details on passport validity, click here.
eTAs and visas
British passport holders travelling to Canada by air must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport, costs a small fee, and is valid for five years or until your passport expires. Each traveller, including children, needs their own eTA.
An eTA typically permits stays of up to six months (180 days) per entry. Applications are made online through the official Government of Canada website, and approval is often received within minutes - though it’s best to apply at least two weeks before your trip.
If you’re entering Canada by land or sea (for example, from the USA), an eTA is not required.
For the latest entry requirements for British travellers, click here.
Health and safety
Travelling to the USA is generally safe. As always, use the same common sense you would at home. And don't hesitate to ask your hosts for local tips, they'll be more than happy to help.
Vaccinations
Before travelling to Canada, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it’s always best to check the latest travel health advice from your GP or the UK government website.
Healthcare
Canada has an excellent standard of healthcare. However, it can be very expensive for visitors, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Make sure your policy includes cover for medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
Medication
If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last your entire trip, along with a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter if possible. Keep medicines in their original packaging and check Canadian Customs regulations before you travel, as some medications available in the UK are restricted in Canada.
Sun and weather safety
Summer temperatures can vary widely, from hot days on the coasts to cooler mountain air. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and always check the local weather forecast – conditions can change quickly in the wilderness. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Canada.
Personal safety
Canada is one of the world’s safest travel destinations. As with any country, take normal precautions: keep valuables out of sight, lock your vehicle, and stay alert in busy tourist areas.
Wildlife safety
Canada’s national parks are home to bears, moose, elk, and other wildlife. Always follow local guidance and keep a safe distance. Store food properly when camping, never feed wild animals, and carry bear spray where permitted. Keep an eye out for large animals on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Outdoor and hiking safety
If you’re hiking or skiing, always check weather and avalanche reports, carry essential supplies, and let someone know your route. Conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
Emergency services
For police, ambulance, or fire emergencies, dial 911 (or 112, which redirects to 911).
Money and payments
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Banknotes come in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, and coins are nicknamed the “loonie” ($1) and “toonie” ($2). You can exchange money at banks or withdraw CAD from ATMs, which are widely available in towns and cities. Note that some ATMs charge a CAD $2–$5 fee per transaction.
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, though it’s wise to carry some cash for small purchases, tips, or rural areas where card machines may be unavailable.
Sales tax
Prices are shown before tax, with provincial GST/HST added at checkout (usually 5–15%).
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Canada and similar to the USA. In restaurants, a tip of 15–20% of the total bill is standard for good service. For other services, such as taxis, hotel porters, or bar staff, small tips are appreciated. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge.
Languages in Canada
Canada is officially bilingual with both English and French being national languages. French predominates in Québec and parts of New Brunswick, while English is most common elsewhere. Basic French is useful when visiting smaller towns in Québec.
Canada is also home to many Indigenous languages, including Cree, Inuktitut, and Ojibwe, which are still spoken in several regions.
Transportation in Canada
Getting around Canada is straightforward, though distances can be vast. The country has an excellent network of domestic flights, car hire, and scenic train routes, making it easy to combine cities and wilderness regions in one trip.
Major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal have reliable public transport systems, while self-drive holidays are ideal for exploring Canada’s national parks, lakes, and mountain roads at your own pace.
Driving in Canada
Driving in Canada is generally straightforward: vehicles drive on the right-hand side and speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour. Roads are well maintained, especially in populated areas, but can be remote in rural regions – plan routes and fuel stops ahead of time.
British licence holders can drive in Canada using their UK driving licence for up to six months as tourists. You’ll also need a valid credit card for car hire.
Fuel is sold by the litre, and petrol stations can be scarce in remote regions, so it's best to fill up when you get the chance.
Winter tyres are mandatory in Québec (typically 1 Dec–15 Mar) and required or strongly recommended in parts of British Columbia and other provinces between October and April. Watch for wildlife crossings and keep headlights on in rural areas.
For peace of mind, consider booking your trip with experienced Canada travel specialists who can arrange your car hire, insurance, and routes for a smooth, worry-free journey.
Public transport
Public transport in Canada is efficient and affordable, especially in cities. Major urban areas have excellent metro, tram, and bus systems, while long-distance trains (such as VIA Rail) offer scenic routes across the country.
For longer journeys between provinces, domestic flights are often the quickest option. Intercity buses connect smaller towns and regions.
Most transport systems accept contactless payments or prepaid travel cards, and timetables are easily accessible online.
Connectivity and mobile use
Canada has reliable mobile and internet coverage in towns and cities, though signal may be limited in remote or mountainous regions. Download maps for offline use before heading into the wilderness.
Local SIM cards and eSIMs are available at airports, mobile shops, and online, offering affordable short-term data plans. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and public spaces.
Canada uses Type A and Type B power outlets (two or three flat pins), so you’ll need a plug adapter for UK devices. The standard voltage is 120V, so check your electronics before use.
Best time to visit Canada
The best time to visit Canada depends on the type of experiences you’re seeking and the regions you plan to explore. For pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and great value, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal.
For a more detailed look at when to go, including regional highlights, temperatures, and seasonal activities, check out our dedicated travel time guide.
Climate in Canada
Canada’s climate varies dramatically across its vast landscapes. Coastal regions have milder conditions, while mountain regions experience greater extremes.
West Coast: British Columbia, including Vancouver and Vancouver Island, has mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
Prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have cold winters and hot summers, with large temperature variations.
Central Canada: Ontario and Quebec have hot summers and cold, snowy winters, with marked seasonal differences in cities such as Toronto and Montreal.
Atlantic Coast: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland have mild summers and cold, snowy winters.
North: Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.
Time differences between Canada and the UK
Canada spans several time zones, so the time difference with the UK depends on where you’re travelling:
Pacific Time (PT): Cities such as Vancouver and Victoria, 8 hours behind the UK
Mountain Time (MT): Cities such as Calgary and Edmonton, 7 hours behind the UK
Central Time (CT): Cities such as Winnipeg and Regina, 6 hours behind the UK
Eastern Time (ET): Cities such as Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal, 5 hours behind the UK
Atlantic Time (AT): Eastern provinces such as Halifax, 4 hours behind the UK
Newfoundland Time (NT): St John’s, 3.5 hours behind the UK
